He said one issue identified included having to take selection tests in person at a centre rather than online "proved a chill factor" particularly for applicants from the Catholic community and the PSNI has now updated the processes as a result.

Mr Harris said: "The PSNI is committed to being representative of the community we serve and welcomes applications from across all sections of the community."

Constables will receive a starting salary of £19,500, rising up to £38,000 after recruits have undergone further experience and training.

The online assessment will test applicants' verbal reasoning as well as situational judgement, followed by further assessment stages.

To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSE A*-C grades, including Mathematics and English as well as basic computer skills.

Aspiring constables will also be subject to vetting, physical assessments and a substance misuse test.